Special Eurobarometer survey on climate change

Climate change is the topic addressed by the latest Eurobarometer survey. It shows that the majority of EU residents consider this threat to be a serious problem. The survey covered 26,319 EU citizens from different social and demographic groups in all 27 member states. It was conducted between February 18 and March 10, 2025.

Climate change according to EU residents

According to the survey, 85 percent of EU residents believe that climate change is a serious problem. Of those surveyed, 81 percent support an EU-wide effort to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. From an economic perspective, more than three-quarters (77 percent) of Europeans agree that the cost of damage caused by climate change far outweighs the investment needed to move to carbon neutrality.

The majority of Europeans (85 percent) agree that combating climate change should be a priority to improve public health and quality of life. A similar group of respondents believes that better preparation for the negative effects of climate change will improve the quality of life of EU citizens. Especially since they are already feeling the impact of climate change on everyday life. As many as 38 percent of Europeans feel personally exposed to environmental and climate risks.

Detailed information on the climate change survey conducted can be found on the Eurobarometer website.

Opinion of EU residents on support for renewables, energy efficiency and energy autonomy

As many as 88 percent of EU residents believe it is important for the Union to take steps to increase the share of energy from renewable sources. The same number of those surveyed support taking steps to improve energy efficiency, for example by encouraging people to insulate their homes, install solar panels or buy electric cars. Three-quarters of EU residents believe that reducing fossil fuel imports will increase energy security and bring economic benefits, and 77 percent agree that tackling climate change will encourage innovation. More than 8 in 10 Europeans (84 percent) agree that more support should be given to European companies to compete in the global clean technology market, demonstrating public support for the Clean Industrial Order.

EU residents’ climate action

The vast majority of EU citizens take individual climate action (92 percent) and make sustainable choices in their daily lives. However, when asked about their level of preparedness to address climate change, only 28 percent indicated the answer “best” in their context. They were much more likely to mention national bodies, the EU, and business and industry. Nearly half of respondents felt that regional and local authorities were also prepared to take climate action.

How do EU residents think climate change is portrayed in the media?

A large group of respondents (52 percent) believe that traditional media do not provide clear information about climate change, its causes and effects. Looking more broadly at communication channels, 49 percent note that it is difficult to distinguish between reliable information and misinformation on social media.

What actions is the EU taking with climate change in mind?

The survey shows that EU residents are concerned about climate change and see its impact on the economy and life, as we wrote in a previous article: Climate change and its impact on the economy – the opinion of the EESC. They want concrete and bold action.

To prevent the negative impacts of climate change, the EU is taking numerous actions, putting in place one of the most comprehensive policy frameworks for reducing emissions, stimulating innovation and building a sustainable and resilient economy. With binding targets for 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, the EU is strengthening the tools necessary for a fair and effective transition. The assessment of updated national energy and climate plans, published on May 28, 2025, shows greater ambition and clearer national pathways to achieve the 2030 common targets.

New initiatives, such as the Clean Industrial Deal, are helping to spur innovation and advance climate policy in Europe’s long-term competitiveness by accelerating investment in clean technologies and strengthening the industrial base. The ongoing efforts show that the EU remains on track to achieve climate neutrality, based on innovation, shared prosperity and resilience.